For The Newcomer

HOUSING YOUR STOCK

You do not need much space to start in the mouse fancy. The corner of
a shed or garage, providing it is dry, can be ideal. A window to inspect
your stock in natural light is an advantage as is artificial light for
evening feeding and the short days of winter. All serious 'mousers' would
prefer a self contained mousery but it is far from essential and the highest
awards have been won by small studs housed in the most unlikely places.

The most satisfactory box for a mouse is a wooden one. A wire cage such as
pet shops supply is not suitable as it gives the mouse no shelter or protection
from the outside world. Mice are not fond of daylight and a wire cage
has no dark secluded corners. Some people advocate plastic washing up
bowls fitted with a wire mesh lid, though there is a tendency for condensation
to form in cold weather, if you keep your mice in an unheated shed. Mice
can stand the cold very well provided they have enough bedding, but they
do not thrive in draughty or damp conditions. There are also many proprietary
plastic small mammal cages available on the market, but these tend to
be rather expensive.

At least three breeding boxes should be made or obtained in advance of
your mice. These need not be elaborate and 18" x 12" x 7" deep is a good
starting size. Later you will find uses for boxes both larger and smaller.
If you are making your own it's not difficult cover 50% of the fronts
with perforated zinc or ¼" Weldmesh and similarly provide some top ventilation
in the lid.

ACQUIRING YOUR STOCK

the greatest error made by the newcomer is to be over ambitious. That, however,
is quite different from being just enthusiastic! There are so many varieties
to choose from that you may find it difficult to decide which to go for,
but remember it is folly to start with more than one or two varieties
at the most. Having selected your variety, get to know which breeders
are generally successful on the show bench and if possible go and see
them and their mouseries. Listen to what they tell you and be guided by
what they say. Put the advice you receive from different breeders together
and by careful thought act accordingly.

All you need now is a little patience. The rewards will come
relatively quickly, provided your stock is kept clean and well fed.